The Avalon is a full size sedan built by Toyota. Recent Toyota Avalon commercials showed the car riding on soft clouds while the occupants recline in luxurious seats. On Mojo Motors, the most Followed version of this full size cruiser comes from its third generation, model years 2005 to 2012. This is the Avalon that almost delivers on the dream-like ride of the commercials. The loyalty to the third generation is understandable, as earlier versions of the Avalon were just expensive stretched Camrys. Toyota seemed to take the criticism to heart, and built the 2005 Avalon to distinguish itself from the Camry, and it worked. The third generation Avalon was a critical and sales success. The fourth generation, seen below, is on a similar trajectory.

Avalon Engine

Starting in 2005, the only engine available in a used Avalon for sale is a 3.5 liter V6, dubbed 2GR-FE. This versatile V6 is found in everything from the RAV4 to the Lexus RX 350. It has Dual VVTi, which is Toyota’s marketing-speak for having variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust cams. The specific output is 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the Avalon achieves 20 MPG city, 29 MPG on the highway when attached to a 6-speed transmission on models 2008 or newer and only slightly lower with the 5-speed automatic on models from 2005 to 2007. The fourth-generation Avalon also carries this engine, along with an optional 2.4-liter four cylinder hybrid.

Avalon VS Camry

Sure, back in the 1990’s this was a common debate, as the Avalon was basically a stretched Camry. Today, the cars do share the same engine, with the 3.5-liter V6 being the high performance and sporty choice in the Camry. That is about where the similarities end. The Avalon is longer, wider, taller and as a result, heavier. However, all that bulk and size adds up to a noticeable increase in cabin space. Materials are of higher quality and the Avalon gets some of the best tech Toyota offers. Rather than crowding Camry’s market share, this generation Avalon steps on the toes of Lexus.

Avalon Size

So, how big is a full-size luxury car these days? The Avalon sits 57.5 inches tall (about four and a half feet) and is 195.3 inches long (a little over 16 feet). That sounds like a lot, but keep in mind the Avalon is still a foot and a half shorter than the Ford Crown Victoria and 3 inches shorter than the Chrysler 300. It is a full 6 feet wide and the wheelbase is 111 inches. That wheelbase is average for the segment, but Toyota’s engineers have worked some magic to create a ton of passenger space. Even the rear passengers in the Avalon have over 3 feet of legroom, and plenty of headroom. While the Avalon is a large car, it does not necessarily feel that way while driving, as the outward visibility is excellent, and the body overhangs are shorter than average.